Korean 'Host' a China box office monster

Audiences flock to Joon-ho film

By DARCY PAQUET

HONG KONG -- Helmer Bong Joon-ho's monster pic "The Host" has beaten last year's hit "Daisy" to become the bestselling Korean film in China, having spent two weeks at No. 1 at the Chinese box office.

According to producer Chungeorahm Film, pic has taken $1.2 million in its first two weeks and, if interest continues, is likely to be given an extended release.

Chungeorahm prexy Choi Yong-bae hopes that the four prizes won by the pic at the first Asian Film Awards on Tuesday night will help generate additional publicity in China.

China perf comes after the film earned $700,000 in North America in 10 days, $1.05 million in Spain in three weeks and $190,000 in Australia in 10 days.